Brochure

Hearing Protection
Hearing loss due to noise is almost entirely preventable by judicious use of hearing
protection. To nd what is best for you, try different devices from the wide variety
available today. Be sure to carefully read the instructions because hearing protectors
must t properly and be worn correctly to do the job. Hearing protector effectiveness
is specied by a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR), typically ranging from 15-35
decibels. In practice the protection that normally can be achieved is about 10-20
decibels. The more carefully you t and wear hearing protectors, the higher your
protection will be. Hearing protectors may feel uncomfortable at rst, but give yourself
a chance to get used to them, just as you do with a new pair of shoes or glasses.
Earplug Fitting Tip
Press firmly cupped hands over your ears while listening to a steady noise. With properly fitted
plugs the noise levels should be about the same whether or not the ears are covered.
How Much Protection
Don’t get hung up on the NRR, the government-mandated noise protection factor that appears
on all hearing protector packaging. The numbers are based on optimized laboratory tests that, in
practice, represent what only a few of the most-motivated best-trained users can achieve. Your
best bet is to use the NRR only as an indicator that a product was designed and tested for noise
reduction. Except for very loud noises such as gunfire where selection is more critical, most
hearing protectors provide sufficient protection when worn properly and consistently. Foam
plugs or earmuffs, or a combination of the two generally provide the highest levels of protection.
Foam plugs, made from expandable slow-recovery
foam, provide the best combination of comfort
and protection for most users. They must be properly
prepared for insertion. One size fits most. Once in the
ear, foam plugs expand to provide a snug and secure
custom fit. The two most common complaints about
foam plugs (“not enough protection,” and “they don’t
stay in”) are almost always solved by greater practice
and care in insertion.
Premolded plugs are made from flexible materials
that are preformed to fit the ear. They are generally
available with a joining cord to prevent loss. Although
the version pictured at the left is a one-sized product,
many premolded plugs are sold in two or more sizes
and must be individually sized for each ear. If after
a period of regular wear you’ve been unable to get
used to your earplugs, try another size, type, or brand
of hearing protector.
Slowly roll and
compress foam
plugs into a very
thin crease-free
cylinder. While
compressed,
insert plug well
into the earcanal.
Fitting is easier if you
reach around the head
to pull the ear outward and
upward during insertion.
Keep the plugs clean
and free from material
that can irritate the
earcanal. They may
be washed in mild
liquid detergent and
warm water. Squeeze
excess water from the
plugs and allow to fully
air dry. Washing may be
repeated several times. Discard
plugs if they noticeably change their firmness or
do not re-expand to their original size and shape.
Premolded plugs will
normally last several
months or more
depending upon
the type, and
environmental
factors. They should
be replaced if they
shrink or swell, harden
or soften, tear, crack, or
become permanently deformed.
Wash them in warm soapy water and rinse well.
When dry, store them in a carrying case.
Reach around the
back of your head
and pull outward
and upward on
the ear while
inserting the
plug until you
feel it sealing.
This may seem tight
at first, especially if
you’ve never worn earplugs.
Carefully twist the plug to break the seal for a
slow, safe removal.